Intersection Accidents
Intersections can be dangerous locations when someone violates a traffic law, such as running a red light or failing to yield the right-of-way. In California, the car insurance system allows an injured victim to file a claim for financial compensation with the at-fault driver’s insurance provider. You may need to hire a Los Angeles car accident lawyer to represent you throughout your claim to maximize the compensation you recover.
What Is an Intersection Accident?
An intersection accident describes a motor vehicle collision that happens within or near a point where two or more roads meet or intersect. Examples include four-way stops, T-junctions, roundabouts and crossroads.
Common types of intersection accidents are:
- T-bone (side-impact) collisions
- Head-on collisions
- Rear-end collisions
- Chain-reaction accidents
- Multi-vehicle crashes
- Sideswipe accidents (from opposite directions)
- Accidents involving bicyclists and pedestrians
Intersection accidents can be severe in the level of damage they inflict. These accidents often involve high speeds and head-on vehicle contact. They can result in serious injuries, especially if vulnerable road users such as pedestrians are involved.
Leading Causes of Intersection Accidents
Collisions that take place at intersections in California can almost always be prevented. They can often be traced back to a mistake made by the at-fault driver, such as breaking a traffic law. In these cases, the car insurance provider of the at-fault driver is responsible for paying for a victim’s medical bills and vehicle repairs.
Many driver errors can cause intersection accidents, such as:
- Failure to follow traffic signs and signals
- Speeding to “beat” a yellow light
- Entering an intersection when faced with a steady red light
- Rolling through a stop sign without stopping
- Failing to yield the right-of-way to another road user
- Distracted driving or texting and driving
- Excessive speeding
- Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Making an unsafe or improper turn
- Aggressive driving or road rage
Issues with the intersection itself can also contribute to these collisions in Los Angeles. Examples include an intersection with an inherently dangerous design, a malfunctioning traffic light or pedestrian walk signal, and an obscured stop sign. In these scenarios, the government agency responsible for road safety can be held accountable for the accident.
How Can a Personal Injury Lawyer Help After an Intersection Accident?
Intersection accident cases in California can involve various challenges, such as multiple at-fault parties and severe or catastrophic injuries. To recover fair financial compensation for your losses, you must prove that someone else is to blame for your crash. This requires clear and convincing evidence of negligence, or the failure to use reasonable care.
An attorney who specializes in car accident law can handle the claims process for you while you take time to heal and recover. Your lawyer can investigate the intersection accident, determine who caused the crash and collect evidence of fault to present to an insurance company on your behalf.
If a settlement is offered, a personal injury attorney in Los Angeles can assess the amount and negotiate for greater damages if he or she believes your case is worth more. Your lawyer will not allow a car insurance company to take advantage of you. While most car accident cases achieve settlements, a lawyer will also be capable of bringing your case to court in California, if necessary.
To discuss a recent intersection accident with an experienced personal injury lawyer at no cost or obligation, contact Rose, Klein & Marias, LLP to schedule an initial case review.